Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents are on the rise, according to news reports and government statistics. Although the number of people killed by a distracted driver has gone down slightly, the number of people injured has risen. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 421,000 people in the United States were injured in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers in 2012, a nine percent increase from the previous year.
At Elk & Elk Co., Ltd., our lawyers help clients who have suffered injury because of a distracted driver. We will determine the specific type of distracted driving and consult with experts to learn how the accident and resulting injuries affected a client. We use the information to build a case that seeks maximum compensation for a client’s injuries, expenses and losses.
To learn how we can help you, call us at 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.
Examples Of Distracted Driving
We typically think that distracted driving involves cellphone use. And that is often true. Looking at the screen to see who is calling, responding to text messages or making a call all take a driver’s eyes off the road. However, there are other types of distractions that cause motor vehicle accidents. These include:
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Eating or drinking
- Turning to speak with a child in the back seat
- Arguing with a passenger
- Reading a map
- Shaving or applying makeup
- Responding to road rage
The Dangers Of Distracted Driving
The behaviors listed above increase one’s risk of having an accident, especially a rear-end accident. Other types of accidents include drifting into the next lane in the path of an oncoming vehicle, leaving the road entirely, running into the median, failing to stop at a light or stop sign, or suddenly slowing down. All can cause serious and deadly crashes.
The Components Of A Distracted Driving Case
Each case has different details, but shares some similarities with other cases involving distracted driving accidents.
To be successful, a distracted driving case must tell the story of how the driver was distracted and how that distraction caused the accident. Each case must identify all the injuries that resulted from the accident, including those that were apparent at the time and those that revealed themselves days or weeks later. These and other factors in a case require us to consult with medical experts, review police reports, interpret cellphone call logs and interview witnesses.
Only then can our attorneys create a complete picture of what happened, why it happened and how our client was injured as a result.
Free Consultation: Learn How Our Attorneys Can Help
If you were injured or experienced the loss of a loved in a distracted driving accident, get help today. Call 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) to find out whether you are eligible to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Once we take your case, you can rely on our Seattle attorneys to seek maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and expenses.
